zoning laws

[unpakwon]

Please help me with the following expressions in bold type.

1. The ability to use monopoly profits to subsidize new products isn't the Postal Service' only advantage. As a government agency, it pays no federal, state or local taxes, is exempt from zoning laws, pays no parking tickets......
In 1975, we were supporting an amendment of the Hanley Bill that would limit the subsidy for zone-rated mail matter.

2. Business was great. However, if the company hadn't been managed by a cadre of men firmly focused on the future, it might have continued to do what it did well without noticing that the axe was going to fall.

Thank you.

[Anglika]

In the US, zoning laws control the way in which development can take place.

Zone-rated mail consists of 1st class mail weighing more than 13 ounces, and is referred to as priority mail.

"the axe was going to fall". = means that something fairly influential and probably disastrous is about to happen.

[unpakwon]

You've been a great help.